Health, Knowledge, & Wisdom

The ancient Chinese observed the patterns of nature to achieve greater understanding. Modern science dissects nature in order to better understand it. But both ancient China and modern science used the scientific method of observation, hypothesis, and trial and error through experimentation. The theory of Yin and Yang, which dates back as long ago as the I Ching, is the theory of complimentary opposites, and of relativity; which is seen through out nature and within the human being.

There are many different forms of the Yin and Yang symbol, but the underlying principles remain the same:

Yin and Yang are dynamic and in constant motion

This is why the symbol looks as though the opposites are moving. It explains why it never stays night forever. The sun will rise again.

One cannot exist without the other

Nothing can exist without there being an opposite. We are only happy because we know sadness. Health exists due to sickness.

Yin and Yang are both mutually consuming

When Yin is weak, Yang will take over. Similar to a desert. The water is yin, and scarce. And so the land become dry and very Yang, making up for the weak yin of the land. Our bodies act the same way. For example, in menopausal women the hormone estrogen, which is yin, becomes scarce. This leads to hot flashes, which are very yang in nature.

Yin and Yang transform into the other

The Yang of day turns into Yin of night. The Yin of sleep turns into the Yang of awakened consciousness. And since the human body is a living organism of nature, it's important to regulate your sleep patterns to the natural order of the planet we live on. Be Yin when nature is yin; sleep before 11pm and don't expose yourself to bright lights or screens once the sun has set. The body secretes certain hormones only after dark, such as melatonin; a powerful sleep aid and antioxidant. Also, be Yang when nature is Yang. Wake up once the sun has risen. This will help regulate your adrenal hormones to help you wake up full of energy in the morning.

There is always Yang within Yin, and Yin within Yang

This is why you see the small dot of the opposite within the Yin and Yang side of the symbol. A good example is: "It's always coldest before the dawn." This is because the sun's warmth begins to reach over the horizon, evaporating the condensation of dew created during the night. Evaporation is a process of cooling, and so the temperature decreases. Cold is Yin, and in the coldest moment of night there is just the smallest amount of the sun's warmth, the Yang.

Yin and Yang are relative

Up is relative to down, just as time is relative to speed. Yin is relative to Yang depending on the situation. Which leads to the next principle...

There is no Yin or Yang

Those things which we believe to exist, only exsist due to the nature of opposites, or duality.Yet, before there was Yin and Yang, there was Taiji, the great ultimate of being. Taiji is the exact same thing as Wuji, the ultimate of non-being. To the left you will see part of an ancient Taoist diagram with a large red circle; this circle represents being and non-being.In other words, oneness or non-duality.When the Taiji and Wuji began moving, it created Yin and Yang; the nature of opposites.As you can see the second circle down shows a Yin and Yang symbol represented by black and white in equal proportions. Yet, there remains a small red circle in the center between Yin and Yang. This is because Yin and Yang are the same; they are both taiji and wuji, being and non-being; they are both created by oneness.

At Fremont Acupuncture, we balance the Yin and Yang within the body using acupuncture, herbs, and life style recommendations. I'm here to teach you to live a healthy life style, while correcting the imbalance your body may already have suffered: emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Wishing you the Best in Health!And remember to live in harmony with the patterns of the natural world!

Garlic has been used for thousands of years to improve health and performance. The armies of ancient Rome, the Egyptian laborers, and the Olympian athletes of ancient Greeks all used garlic to increase strength and endurance. Hippocrates used garlic as a cleansing agent and for abdominal and uterine growths. The chief physician of Nero's Roman army, said that it cleans the arteries, which science has shown to be true! In fact,most studies done on garlic proves it lowers high blood pressure and reduceshigh cholesterol levels! Its amazing to learn just how accurate ancient medicine was! Traditional Chinese Medicine, is no different. It also uses garlic as a medicinal herb.

Garlic or xie bai, as it's called in Chinese, also is used for cardiovascular health. According to the Materia Medica of Chinese Herbal Medicine: it unblocks Yang Qi in the chest, disperses turbid phlegm stagnation, and warms the chest. Let me translate the poetry of Traditional Chinese Medicine:

Yang Qi in the chest, is the force behind the circulation of blood and oxygen; the functional force of the heart and lung. Garlic unblocks the circulation of blood flow.

Turbid Phlegm, in this case, is the cholesterol clogging the arteries. Garlic disperses fatty plaque buildup in the arteries.

More people have heart attacks inwinter than during any other time. A study on rats showed that cold temperatures increased LDL cholesterol and fatty plagues, giving rise tothe possibility of heart attack and stroke. Garlic or xie bai, warms the chest, to help maintain the flow of blood and oxygen.

Garlic is full of antioxidants too! It's a great medicine and food, not only for high blood pressure and cholesterol, but also for the prevention of cancer! You can increase the number of antioxidant compounds by cutting it up and letting it sit for a few minutes before eating it. The chopped up garlic, which is still alive, begins to regenerate its antioxidant compounds as it attempts to grow and heal itself. You'll be able to cook it and maintain more of it's medicinal qualities with this method. Plus, there are so many delicious ways to eat garlic too! Slice it into thin pieces and add it to a sandwich or wrap. Make garlic wine; especially good for the common cold. Or just, dice it up and swallow the garlic raw with your meal. The less you cook your garlic, the greater its health benefits!

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About The Authors

Dr. Reyna Ambrose L.Ac,has always had an interest in natural healing and has studied various forms of alternative medicine for over ten years. She holds a Doctorate degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and she continues to study every day. She is dedicated to facilitating patients rediscover their health potential.